Choosing The Right Caliber For Your Bolt Action Rifle

Introduction To Bolt Action Rifles

Bolt action rifles are a type of firearm that became popular in the late 19th century and played a major role in military history, particularly during World War I and World War II. Invented in the early 1800s, the bolt action mechanism was first widely adopted by militaries with rifles like the German Mauser, introduced in 1871, and the British Lee-Enfield. These rifles operate by manually cycling a bolt handle to open the breech, eject a spent cartridge, load a new round from the magazine, and close the chamber, making them known for their simplicity, durability, and accuracy. Though largely replaced by semi-automatic weapons in modern combat, bolt action rifles remain extremely popular among hunters, competitive shooters, and long-range marksmen for their reliability and precision. They're typically fed by an internal or detachable magazine and are favored in applications where one well-placed shot is more important than rapid fire.

What Is a Bolt Action Rifle Caliber & Why Does It Matter?

A bolt action rifle caliber refers to the specific size and type of ammunition that the rifle is designed to fire. The caliber is usually measured in either millimeters for example, 7.62mm or inches, .308, and it indicates the diameter of the bullet. The rifle ammo caliber is critical because it affects the rifle’s performance in terms of power, accuracy, recoil, and effective range. Bolt action rifles are chambered in a wide variety of calibers, ranging from small varmint rounds like .22 LR to large, high-powered cartridges like .300 Winchester Magnum used for big game hunting or long-range shooting. Choosing the right caliber depends on the intended use of your bolt action rifle, whether it’s target shooting, hunting, or tactical applications, and using the correct caliber is essential for both safety and performance.

What To Consider When Choosing Your Caliber

When you are considering what caliber of bolt action rifle you should get, there are a couple of factors you should look into like the intended use, recoil level, ammo availability & cost, and experience level. Let’s break down why these things are important to bolt action rifle caliber choices.

Intended Bolt Action Rifle Use :

If you are a beginning shooter, or hunting things like small rodents and vermin, or even just target shooting you could consider a small caliber bolt action rifle like a .22 LR or .223 Rem. While if you are hunting larger game or doing long range shooting you should up your caliber size to something like a .308 Winchester or 6.5 Creedmoor.

Bolt Action Rifle Recoil Level :

In general, if you are using a higher caliber bolt action rifle, there will be more recoil, so if you are comfortable with more recoil, and have the shooting endurance to handle it then you can opt for a higher caliber rifle, but if you are more inexperienced, and uncomfortable with higher recoil, go for a smaller caliber bolt action rifle until you are comfortable with moving up in size.

Bolt Action Rifle Ammo :

For rifle ammo, if you are concerned about budget, then you should pay attention to the average costs of ammo, the ongoing costs of shooting and hunting, and may want to opt for a lower caliber as they are typically more available and cost friendly.

Shooting Experience With Bolt Action Rifles :

Beginner shooters often do much better when starting with a lower caliber bolt action rifle because there is less recoil, and they are generally easier to shoot. If you are an experienced shooter then you may feel more comfortable picking up a high caliber bolt action rifle as you understand what to expect when shooting these rifles.

Best Bolt Action Calibers For Target Shooting

When it comes to target shooting, the best bolt action calibers are those that offer excellent accuracy, manageable recoil, and consistent performance. The .22 Long Rifle (.22 LR) is a top choice for beginners and competitive shooters alike due to its low cost, minimal recoil, and suitability for short to mid-range practice. For advanced shooters and long-range precision, the 6.5 Creedmoor has become a favorite thanks to its flat trajectory, low wind drift, and exceptional accuracy beyond 1,000 yards. The .308 Winchester is another reliable option, known for its balance of power and precision. Other popular target shooting calibers include .223 Remington for its affordability and low recoil, and .243 Winchester for its light recoil paired with flat shooting characteristics. Ultimately, the best caliber for target shooting depends on your distance goals, experience level, and budget, but all of these are proven performers at the range. Some of our favorite picks would be either the Winchester .22 LR HP 333 Rounds, or the Hornady 6.5 Creedmoor American Whitetail.

Best Calibers For Hunting With Bolt Action Rifles

I believe the best calibers for hunting with bolt action rifles depend mostly on the type of game you’re hunting, but several stand out for their versatility, power, and proven field performance. For medium to large game like deer, elk, and bear, the .308 Winchester and .30-06 Springfield are classic choices known for their reliable stopping power, availability, and accuracy. The 6.5 Creedmoor has surged in popularity due to its excellent long-range performance and mild recoil, making it a great option for deer and antelope. For larger, tougher game like moose or black bear, .300 Winchester Magnum provides extra reach and knockdown power. On the lighter side, calibers like .243 Winchester and .270 Winchester offer flat trajectories and sufficient energy for small to medium game, with relatively low recoil. Choosing the right hunting caliber involves balancing the size of the game, typical shooting distances, and your comfort level with recoil and rifle weight. Ultimately, consider how large the game is that you are hunting and how much stopping power you will need from your bolt action rifle. One of our favorite picks is the Remington Core-Lokt 308 Winchester Ammo.

Bolt Action Rifle Comparison Chart

Below we have created a complete checklist for you to breakdown the true differences in bolt action rifle ammo caliber based on caliber, recoil level, cost per round, and popular uses for that caliber.

Final Tips For Choosing Your Bolt Action Rifle Caliber

There are so many bolt action rifle calibers of ammo on the market, it is really important to understand what caliber of rifle you want or need based on what you are going to be using it for. Aside from just being fun to shoot, a bolt action rifle is perfect for hunting or target shooting, and you should consider either how large of game you are hunting, or how far of targets you will be shooting at. At Fin Feather Fur Outfitters we believe each caliber of bolt action rifles offers advantages and disadvantages, but ultimately comes down to what you are using the rifle for. If you have any other questions, please contact our expert bolt action rifle team behind our gun counter by calling or clicking the contact us button below.

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